Film on Indian epic ‘Ramayana’ aims at global audience

The filmmakers behind big-budget Hindu epic “Ramayana” are aiming to bring a classic Hindu story to global audiences this year. “Ramayana” tells a 5,000-year-old story about Prince Rama, an incarnation of ⁠the Hindu deity Vishnu, played by Ranbir Kapoor, who is exiled to the forests for 14 years along with his wife and brother. When his wife is kidnapped, the story brings Rama into conflict with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, played by Indian ⁠actor Yash.

“I have tried to internalise ... the whole essence of Ravana and tried to make him as human as possible at times,” Yash said in an interview this week. “It’s important for people to relate to him, especially (since) we have global ambitions, so we need to make it familiar to a Western audience as well.” The team behind the films, which have a combined budget of up to $500 million, appeared at the ⁠CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas, where “Ramayana” posters were displayed alongside promotions for Hollywood’s upcoming releases. The first movie will be released in India and the United States on Nov.8, to coincide with Diwali, the Hindu “festival of lights.” The second will come out in 2027.

Producer Namit Malhotra said the film would mix elements of fantasy and human drama from movies such as “The Lord of the Rings” ⁠and “Gladiator.” “It will promise a very different experience unlike anything traditionally that, let’s say, Indian movies offer or even Hollywood for that matter,” Malhotra said. “It’s meant for ⁠the world and it’s got the best of the East and the best of the West coming together to make it happen.”

Meanwhile, Ranbir on playing Rama, said in a statement: “I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare; and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.” The “Rama” teaser marks a significant moment for audiences worldwide, bringing into focus a figure whose story has endured for over 5,000 years. Namit Malhotra-produced Ramayana is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and a two-part cinematic franchise.

Director Nitesh Tiwari said: “Ramayana’s greatness lies in its emotional richness. At its heart, it is not just about good and evil, but about choices, consequences, and the weight of doing what is right.”

He added: “Rama’s journey is deeply human and that is what we have tried to stay true to” Rama represents the kind of hero the world rarely sees anymore. A hero who chooses duty over desire. Who walks away from power when it is right to do so. Who does what is necessary, even when it costs him everything.

Revered as Maryada Purushottama, Rama embodies dignity, compassion, and moral clarity — even in the face of exile, loss, and injustice. That is what makes him timeless.

Namit Malhotra, producer, shared: “The power of Rama’s story is not in what he conquers, but in what he lets go of. He represents a standard that is not easy, not convenient; but necessary.” “He chooses duty over desire, truth over comfort, and sacrifice over self. That is why his story has endured for thousands of years, and why it continues to matter today.”

The film also stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol, Lara Dutta and Amitabh Bachchan in key roles. The Ramayana has been retold in over 300 versions across cultures and regions worldwide.

Two music titans, Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman are joining forces for the film. “Ramayana” is a two-part live-action cinematic universe being reimagined on the scale of the biggest tentpoles produced to date. The film also features Hollywood’s top stunt directors Terry Notary (“Avengers,” “Planet of the Apes”) and Guy Norris (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Furiosa”), choreographing the epic battles between gods and demons. “Ramayana” is being filmed for IMAX and will be released worldwide with Part 1 releasing in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027.

Agencies